Hair is an essential part of one’s own personality. They play very important role in an individual’s well being and social interactions. Undesired hair loss (effluvium, alopecia) or, unwanted hair growth (hirsutism)is cosmetically disturbing which can lead to significant psychological and emotional distress. Hair is a protein filament (keratin) that grows from follicles found in skin. Healthy hair is a sign of good health. Hair characteristics (type, density, texture, color, varies person to person and may be profoundly altered by numerous causes. Most common interest in hair is focused on hair growth, hair types and hair care. Normally, 50 to 100 hairs are shed per day but more than 100 is considered a disorder. Disturbance in hair cycle is the main cause of hair loss eg. alopecia. Other common causes includes hormonal imbalance (Thyroid disorders), stress, lack of nutrition, crash dieting, chronic illness, surgery, cancer, prolonged medications or chemotherapy. Life style modifications like meditation, yoga, weight management, regular wash with frequent oiling also play important role. Unwanted practices like regular coloring, smoothing or straightening should be avoided. One must also know that, for healthy hair, healthy diet is essential. Take lot of protein, almonds, green vegetables, fish, eggs in your regular diet along with a good supplement.
However, persistent shedding requires early and prompt treatment from an expert with the main aim of preventing further progression. Most important thing is to understand that with medications none will restore hair growth to its prepubertal density, some recovery of hair growth is possible but the hair density may take 6 to 12 months to return to baseline. Therefore the treatment needs patient’s patience, dedication and commitment. Much progress has been made in understanding hair growth, and as a result new treatments are on the horizon (PRP, stem cell therapy, mesotherapy and hair transplant).